Regime change in Iran is a “real possibility”, according to an expert, as over 100,000 people have taken to the streets to protest against the Supreme Leader and chant slogans like “death to the dictator” and “death to [President Hassan] Rouhani”, which could see them imprisoned or worse.
Tensions have been building in Iran for years and came to a head in December when the Iranian uprising began, but they’ve ratcheted up again in recent weeks following increased US pressure and the return of US sanctions.
Donald Trump announced the sanctions, which came into force on Monday, in May, when he pulled out of the Iranian nuclear deal. More sanctions are due in November, which will target the keystones of the Iranian economy; its central bank and oil industry.
Trump has described the embargoes as “the most biting sanctions ever imposed”.
These sanctions have furthered the economic collapse in Iran, that was largely caused by the mismanagement and corruption of the mullahs. As a result, high inflation has caused the Iranian rial to lose 99% of its value, which has only sparked more protests from all over Iranian society, including groups traditionally loyal to the Regime.
Hanif Jazayeri, from the National Council of Resistance of Iran, explained that these protests are different to those in 2009, because protesters have broken a lot of taboos by calling for the death of the President and the Supreme Leader.
He said: “The demonstrations are not just over economic issues but very quickly turned political due to the regime’s repression of the Iranian people with regard to women’s rights, freedom of speech and other basic freedoms.”
He continued: “The chants are directed at the entirety of the regime and protesters are demanding regime change. People are starting to wake up and see that revolution is a real possibility. I think there will be one.”
He explained that regime change is the real demand of the Iranian people, with many calling for a free Iran based on separation of religion and state, gender equality, and basic human rights; like that proposed by NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi.
People have also been heard chanting: “The nation is forced to beg while the leader lives like God.”
There are dozens of videos circulating online, which depict angry protesters setting fire to tyres and police vehicles in the town of Gohardasht, a suburb of Karaj.
The Regime’s security has, as usual, cracked down on the protesters using violence and tear gas.
Source » ncr-iran